Variations in Leaf Traits of 52 Plants in Horqin Sand Land

Study of variations of leaf traits in severely desertified habitats is important not only to understand regional biotic and abiotic features,but also to provide basis for community classification.In this study,patterns of leaf traits of 52 plants are investigated to detect their difference among functional groups and relationships between each trait.The results show that specific leaf area of 52 plants is varied between 6.9-34.4 m2·kg-1,which was relatively lower compared with the results from other regions.This implies that the plants adapt well in poor soil environment in Horqin Sand Land.The N:P ratio of most plant in this study is less than 14,which means that the plant is constrained by nitrogen in Horqin Sand Land.One way ANVOA analysis shows that leaf traits are different significantly among functional groups.Leaf nitrogen content of N fixers and leaf dry matter content are the highest compared with other functional groups,respectively.However,no significant difference in leaf P concentration and specific leaf area is observed among different functional groups.Specific leaf area in annuals is significantly higher than that in perennials,but leaf dry matter content is relatively low in annuals.Leaf dry matter content of 52 plants is negatively correlated with specific leaf area and leaf nitrogen content,respectively.However,leaf nitrogen content is positively correlated with leaf phosphorus content.